Page 14 of Owning Eva

“You don’t even know what I want,” I whisper.

“Ah, but I do, sweetheart.” Eli leans back slightly, his lips curving into a small, cocky smile. “You want someone who sees you. All of you. Not just the writer, not just the smart-ass. You want someone who doesn’t care how messy or complicated you are because they’d still pick you every time.”

My throat tightens, his words cutting far too close to the truth.

“Am I wrong?” he asks, his voice softer now.

I shake my head, unable to speak.

Eli stands, closing the distance between us. My heart pounds as he stops in front of my chair, his broad frame blocking out the firelight.

“You can keep running,” he says quietly, his voice a low rumble. “But I’ll still be here. Every time.”

His big hand raises, his thick, calloused fingers brushing lightly against my jaw. The touch is so gentle, so unexpected, that my breath catches.

“Eli—”

“Don’t fight me, Eva,” he murmurs, his thumb grazing my cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I should pull away. I should say something to break the moment. But instead, I lean into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed as his hand cups my face.

The warmth of his breath ghosts over my lips, and for one brief, dizzying moment, I think he’s going to kiss me.

But then he steps back, his hand falling away.

“Not yet,” he says, his voice low and filled with promise. “When you’re ready.”

And just like that, he’s gone, leaving me alone in the firelight with my heart racing and my thoughts spinning out of control.

Twelve

Eva

Sunlight glints off the snow-covered trees, and the lodge buzzes with activity as people take advantage of the clear skies. I planned on spending the morning in my room, hiding from a certain tall, sexy hockey player, but Emily has other ideas.

“C’mon, lazy,” she says, barging into my room without knocking. “We’re having brunch by the fire pit.”

I groan, burying my face in the pillow. “Can’t you just send me a plate instead?”

“Nope.” She yanks the covers off me, ignoring my grumbled protests. “You’re not staying in here all day. You’ve got that glow. Gotta show it off.”

“What glow?” I ask, straightening up, now fully awake.

“The ‘I’ve got a six-foot-five hockey player chasing me’ glow.” Her grin is wicked as she dodges the pillow I throw at her.

“Em, I swear—”

“I’m just saying.” She winks, grabbing my arm and pulling me to my feet. “It’s cute.”

* * *

The fire pit is surrounded by chairs and blankets, a cozy setup for the group brunch Emily promised. Platters of waffles, fruit, and eggs are laid out on a long table, and the scent of fresh coffee and maple syrup fills the air.

And of course, Eli is sitting in a corner, his dark eyes scanning the group until they land on me. The intensity of his gaze is a physical thing, heating me from the inside out.

Emily smirks as she catches me glancing his way. “Still pretending you’re not into him?”

“I’m not into him,” I lie, grabbing a plate.

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